Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A computer-implemented method for determining and managing rights to use individual content items within a set of content items, the method being implemented on a computer having one or more physical processors programmed with one or more computer-executable instructions, the method comprising: receiving, by the one or more processors, a request for a set of content; identifying, by the one or more processors, at least a first content item from the set of content, wherein the first content item is (i) obtained from one of a plurality of content providers and (ii) is relevant to one or more geographically definable locations; electronically storing, by the one or more processors, an indication of one or more requirements that must be satisfied to use the first content item in association with the first content item; identifying, by the one or more processors based on the one or more requirements, a holder of rights related to the first content item; generating, by the one or more processors, one or more messages to be communicated to the holder of rights related to the first content item, wherein at least a first message comprises a request for permission to use the first content item; processing, by the one or more processors, an indication of consent from the holder of rights related to the first content item to use the at least one content item; electronically storing, by the one or more processors, the indication of consent; determining, by the one or more processors, that the one or more requirements are satisfied based on the indication of consent from the holder of rights; and facilitating, by the one or more processors, provision of at least the first content item via a user interface responsive to the request for content and the indication that the one or more requirements are satisfied.
This invention relates to digital rights management and content distribution, specifically addressing the challenge of managing usage rights for individual content items that are tied to specific geographic locations. The method involves a computer system receiving a request for a set of content. The system then identifies individual content items within that set. A key feature is that these identified content items are sourced from various providers and are relevant to specific geographical areas. For each relevant content item, the system electronically stores information about the requirements that must be met to use it. Based on these requirements, the system identifies the rights holder for that content item. The system then generates messages to communicate with the rights holder, including a request for permission to use the content. Upon receiving an indication of consent from the rights holder, this consent is electronically stored. The system determines that the usage requirements are now satisfied due to this consent. Finally, the system facilitates the provision of the content item through a user interface, in response to the initial content request and confirmation that all usage requirements have been met.
2. The method of claim 1 , the method further comprising: obtaining, by the one or more processors, the first content item from a first content provider of the plurality of content providers; obtaining, by the one or more processors, a second content item from a second content provider of the plurality of content providers; determining, by the one or more processors, that the one or more requirements must be satisfied to use the first content item based on information obtained from the first content provider associated with the first content item; determining, by the one or more processors, that the second content item is clear to use without satisfying one or more requirements based on information obtained from the second content provider associated with the second content item; and electronically storing, by the one or more processors, an indication that the second content item is clear to use in association with the second content item.
This invention relates to a system for managing digital content from multiple providers, addressing the challenge of tracking usage rights and restrictions across diverse sources. The system processes content items from different providers, each with varying usage requirements. For a first content item obtained from a first provider, the system determines that specific requirements must be met before the content can be used, based on metadata or licensing information provided by the first provider. For a second content item from a second provider, the system identifies that no such requirements exist, meaning the content is freely usable without restrictions. The system then stores an electronic record indicating the second content item is clear to use, allowing for efficient tracking and compliance with usage policies. This approach ensures proper handling of content rights while streamlining access to unrestricted materials. The system dynamically evaluates each content item's usage conditions, enabling automated compliance checks and reducing manual oversight. This solution is particularly useful in environments where content is aggregated from multiple sources, such as media platforms, educational repositories, or enterprise content management systems.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein facilitating provision of the first content item comprises: obtaining, by the one or more processors, a third content item from one of the plurality of content providers; determining, by the one or more processors, that one or more second requirements must be satisfied to use the third content item based on information obtained associated with the third content item, wherein the one or more second requirements for the third content item are different from the one or more requirements for the first content item; determining, by the one or more processors, that the one or more second requirements are not satisfied; and causing, by the one or more processors, an indication that the third content item is not clear to use to be provided via the user interface.
This invention relates to content management systems that facilitate the provision of content items from multiple content providers to users. The problem addressed is ensuring that content items are properly vetted and compliant with usage requirements before being made available to users. The system obtains a content item from a content provider and checks whether specific requirements for using that content must be satisfied. These requirements may include legal, technical, or policy-based conditions that differ from those of other content items. If the system determines that the requirements are not met, it prevents the content item from being used and provides an indication to the user via a user interface that the content is not clear for use. This ensures that only compliant content is made available, reducing legal or operational risks. The system dynamically assesses each content item individually, allowing for flexible handling of diverse content sources with varying requirements. The invention improves content management by automating compliance checks and providing clear feedback to users when content cannot be used.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining that the one or more requirements are satisfied comprises: facilitating, by the one or more processors, payment of a fee to use the first content item, wherein the one or more requirements are satisfied based on payment of the fee; and responsive to the payment of the fee, electronically storing, by the one or more processors in association with the first content item, the indication that the one or more requirements are satisfied.
This invention relates to digital content access systems, specifically methods for verifying and storing payment-based access rights to content. The problem addressed is ensuring that users who pay for access to digital content are properly authorized and that their access status is securely recorded. The method involves a system that processes payment transactions for digital content. When a user initiates access to a content item, the system verifies whether the necessary requirements—such as payment of a fee—are met. If the fee is paid, the system records this transaction and electronically stores an indication that the requirements are satisfied. This stored indication serves as proof of authorized access, allowing the user to retrieve or interact with the content without further payment verification. The system ensures that only paid users can access the content, while maintaining a secure and auditable record of transactions. This approach is particularly useful for digital media, software, or subscription-based services where access control is critical.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more requirements include providing an attribution notice with the first content item, the method further comprising: electronically storing, by the one or more processors, an instruction to provide an attribution notice with the first content item based on the stored indication of the one or more requirements; determining, by the one or more processors, that the one or more requirements are satisfied based on the stored instruction to provide an attribution notice with the first content item; and automatically causing, by the one or more processors, an attribution notice to be provided with the first content item.
This invention relates to digital content management systems that enforce attribution requirements for content sharing. The problem addressed is ensuring that content creators receive proper credit when their work is distributed, particularly in automated or large-scale sharing environments. The system involves a method for managing content distribution with attribution requirements. It includes storing an indication of one or more requirements associated with a first content item, such as the need to provide an attribution notice. The system then electronically stores an instruction to include an attribution notice with the content item based on these requirements. When the content is accessed or shared, the system determines whether the requirements are satisfied by checking the stored instruction. If the requirements are met, the system automatically causes an attribution notice to be displayed or included with the content item, ensuring proper credit is given to the creator. This method ensures compliance with attribution rules, preventing unauthorized use without proper acknowledgment. The system may also include additional steps, such as verifying the attribution notice is correctly displayed or logging compliance for auditing purposes. The approach is particularly useful in digital platforms where content is frequently shared, such as social media, repositories, or collaborative tools.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the request for content comprises a location parameter specifying that content that is relevant to the one or more geographically definable locations is desired, and wherein the first content item is identified based on the location parameter.
This invention relates to a method for retrieving location-relevant content in a digital system. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently provide users with content that is geographically relevant to their specified locations, improving the accuracy and usefulness of search results. The method involves processing a request for content that includes a location parameter. This parameter indicates that the user desires content relevant to one or more geographically definable locations, such as cities, regions, or coordinates. The system then identifies and retrieves a first content item based on this location parameter, ensuring the content matches the specified geographic criteria. This may involve filtering or ranking content based on proximity, regional relevance, or other location-based factors. The method may also include additional steps such as analyzing the request to determine the desired locations, comparing the request against a database of location-tagged content, and prioritizing results based on geographic relevance. The system may further refine results by considering additional parameters, such as user preferences or historical data, to enhance the accuracy of the location-based content retrieval. The overall goal is to deliver content that is contextually appropriate for the specified geographic area, improving user experience in location-sensitive applications.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the request for content comprises a subject matter parameter specifying that content that is relevant to a particular subject matter is desired, and wherein the first content item is identified based on a subject matter of the first content item.
This invention relates to content retrieval systems that filter and select content based on subject matter relevance. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently retrieve content that matches a user's specific subject matter interests from a large dataset. Traditional systems often rely on broad keyword searches or generic relevance metrics, which may not accurately reflect the desired subject matter focus. The method involves receiving a request for content that includes a subject matter parameter, which specifies the desired subject matter relevance. The system then identifies a first content item by analyzing its subject matter and determining if it matches the specified parameter. The content item's subject matter is derived from metadata, tags, or other structured data associated with the content. The system may also rank or prioritize content items based on their subject matter alignment with the request, ensuring that the most relevant items are returned. This approach improves content retrieval accuracy by explicitly incorporating subject matter filtering, reducing the need for manual curation or post-retrieval filtering. The method can be applied in search engines, recommendation systems, or content management platforms to enhance user experience by delivering more targeted and relevant content.
8. The method of claim 1 , the method further comprising: electronically storing, by the one or more processors, the first content item obtained from one of the plurality of content providers, wherein the first content item is stored in a searchable database using a geographically definable location parameter, a subject matter parameter, and/or a permission parameter.
This invention relates to a system for managing and retrieving content from multiple content providers. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently organizing and accessing diverse content items based on location, subject matter, and permissions. The method involves obtaining content items from various providers and storing them in a searchable database. Each content item is indexed using at least one of three parameters: a geographically definable location parameter, a subject matter parameter, and a permission parameter. The location parameter allows users to filter content based on geographic relevance, while the subject matter parameter categorizes content by topic or theme. The permission parameter ensures that access to content is controlled, restricting retrieval to authorized users or groups. The database structure enables fast and precise searches, improving content discoverability and usability. This approach is particularly useful in applications requiring location-based or permission-controlled content management, such as real estate listings, local news aggregation, or restricted-access databases. The system enhances efficiency by dynamically associating content with relevant parameters, allowing users to retrieve information tailored to their needs.
9. The method of claim 1 , the method further comprising: electronically storing, by the one or more processors, an exchange of communications to and from the identified holder of rights related to the first content item; and causing, by the one or more processors, the stored exchange of communications to be displayed via the user interface.
This invention relates to digital content management systems, specifically for tracking and displaying communications related to rights holders of digital content. The problem addressed is the lack of a centralized system to document and retrieve interactions with rights holders, which can lead to disputes, inefficiencies, and lost revenue in content licensing and distribution. The system includes a processor that identifies a rights holder associated with a digital content item, such as a video, audio file, or document. The processor then electronically stores all communications exchanged with that rights holder, including emails, messages, or other correspondence. These stored communications are later displayed via a user interface, allowing users to review the history of interactions. The system may also include features for managing content distribution, such as tracking usage rights, generating reports, and enforcing licensing agreements. By centralizing and storing these communications, the system ensures transparency, reduces administrative overhead, and helps resolve disputes by providing an accessible record of all interactions. This is particularly useful in industries like media, publishing, and entertainment, where rights management is complex and often involves multiple stakeholders. The invention improves upon existing systems by automating the storage and retrieval of communications, reducing the risk of human error and ensuring compliance with legal and contractual obligations.
10. A system for determining and managing rights to use individual content items within a set of content items, the system comprising: a computer comprising one or more physical processors programmed with one or more computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more physical processors, cause the computer to: receive a request for a set of content; identify at least a first content item from the set of content, wherein the first content item is (i) obtained from one of a plurality of content providers and (ii) is relevant to one or more geographically definable locations; electronically store an indication of one or more requirements that must be satisfied to use the first content item in association with the first content item; identify, based on the one or more requirements, a holder of rights related to the first content item; generate one or more messages to be communicated to the holder of rights related to the first content item, wherein at least a first message comprises a request for permission to use the first content item; process an indication of consent from the holder of rights related to the first content item to use the at least one content item; electronically store the indication of consent; determine that the one or more requirements are satisfied based on the indication of consent from the holder of rights; and facilitate provision of at least the first content item via a user interface responsive to the request for content and the indication that the one or more requirements are satisfied.
The system manages rights to individual content items within a set of content, particularly those relevant to specific geographic locations. It addresses the challenge of tracking and obtaining permissions for content from multiple providers, ensuring legal compliance and proper usage rights. The system receives a request for a set of content and identifies individual items, such as those sourced from various providers and tied to geographic regions. For each item, it stores usage requirements, identifies the rights holder, and generates messages requesting permission to use the content. Upon receiving consent, the system stores the approval, verifies that all requirements are met, and facilitates the delivery of the content through a user interface. This ensures that content is legally accessible while maintaining proper attribution and rights management. The system automates the process of obtaining permissions, reducing administrative overhead and ensuring compliance with usage restrictions.
11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the one or more processors are further programmed to: obtain the first content item from a first content provider of the plurality of content providers; obtain a second content item from a second content provider of the plurality of content providers; determine that the one or more requirements must be satisfied to use the first content item based on information obtained from the first content provider associated with the first content item; determine that the second content item is clear to use without satisfying one or more requirements based on information obtained from the second content provider associated with the second content item; and electronically store an indication that the second content item is clear to use in association with the second content item.
A content management system evaluates and categorizes digital content from multiple providers based on usage requirements. The system identifies content items that can be freely used without restrictions and those that require specific conditions, such as licensing agreements or permissions, before use. When processing content from different providers, the system retrieves a first content item from one provider and determines that it has usage restrictions, requiring certain conditions to be met before it can be utilized. Simultaneously, the system retrieves a second content item from another provider and determines that it is unrestricted, meaning it can be used without any additional requirements. The system then stores metadata indicating the unrestricted status of the second content item, allowing for efficient tracking and retrieval of freely usable content. This approach streamlines content management by automatically distinguishing between restricted and unrestricted content, reducing manual review and ensuring compliance with usage policies. The system enhances workflow efficiency by prioritizing unrestricted content for immediate use while flagging restricted content for further review.
12. The system of claim 10 , wherein to facilitate provision of the first content item, the one or more processors are further programmed to: obtain a third content item from one of the plurality of content providers; determine that one or more second requirements must be satisfied to use the third content item based on information obtained associated with the third content item, wherein the one or more second requirements for the third content item are different from the one or more requirements for the first content item; determine that the one or more second requirements are not satisfied; and cause an indication that the third content item is not clear to use to be provided via the user interface.
This invention relates to a content management system that handles content items from multiple providers, addressing the challenge of ensuring compliance with usage requirements before displaying content to users. The system includes processors that obtain content items from various providers and check whether specific requirements must be met to use each item. These requirements may vary depending on the content item. For example, a first content item may have one set of requirements, while a second content item may have a different set. If the system determines that the requirements for a particular content item are not satisfied, it prevents the item from being displayed and instead provides an indication via a user interface that the content is not cleared for use. This ensures that only compliant content is presented to users, avoiding legal or policy violations. The system dynamically assesses each content item individually, allowing for flexible handling of diverse content sources while maintaining compliance. The invention improves content delivery by integrating automated checks for usage restrictions, reducing manual oversight and potential errors in content approval processes.
13. The system of claim 10 , wherein to determine that the one or more requirements are satisfied, the one or more processors are further programmed to: facilitate payment of a fee to use the first content item, wherein the one or more requirements are satisfied based on payment of the fee; and responsive to the payment of the fee, electronically store the indication that the one or more requirements are satisfied in association with the first content item.
A system for managing access to digital content involves verifying whether one or more requirements are met before allowing use of a content item. The system includes processors that facilitate payment of a fee to access the content, where the payment itself serves as proof that the requirements are satisfied. Once the fee is paid, the system electronically stores an indication that the requirements are met in association with the content. This stored indication can then be used to verify compliance with the requirements when the content is accessed or shared. The system ensures that only users who have paid the required fee can access the content, providing a mechanism for controlling and tracking authorized usage. The payment process and storage of the satisfaction indication are automated, reducing manual verification steps and ensuring efficient access control. This approach is particularly useful in digital distribution platforms where content providers need to enforce payment-based access while maintaining a record of authorized users.
14. The system of claim 10 , wherein the one or more requirements include providing an attribution notice with the first content item, wherein the one or more processors are further programmed to: electronically store an instruction to provide an attribution notice with the first content item based on the stored indication of the one or more requirements; determine that the one or more requirements are satisfied based on the stored instruction to provide an attribution notice with the first content item; and automatically cause an attribution notice to be provided with the first content item.
A system for managing content distribution includes a processor that enforces requirements associated with content items. The system stores an indication of one or more requirements for a first content item, such as licensing terms or usage restrictions. When distributing the content, the system checks whether these requirements are met. If the requirements include providing an attribution notice, the system stores an instruction to include such a notice with the content. The system then verifies that the attribution notice is provided when the content is accessed or shared. If the requirements are satisfied, the content is distributed with the attribution notice. This ensures compliance with licensing terms or other legal obligations while automating the enforcement of content usage rules. The system may also track usage metrics or enforce additional conditions, such as limiting distribution to specific users or regions. The automated attribution notice ensures proper credit is given to content creators or rights holders, reducing legal risks for distributors.
15. The system of claim 10 , wherein the request for content comprises a location parameter specifying that content that is relevant to the one or more geographically definable locations is desired, and wherein the first content item is identified based on the location parameter.
This invention relates to a content delivery system that filters and provides location-relevant content to users. The system addresses the challenge of delivering personalized content that matches a user's geographic context, ensuring relevance and improving user engagement. The system processes a content request that includes a location parameter, which specifies one or more geographically definable locations. Based on this parameter, the system identifies and retrieves a first content item that is relevant to the specified locations. The system may also prioritize content items based on their relevance to the user's location, ensuring that the most pertinent content is delivered first. Additionally, the system can filter out content that is not relevant to the specified locations, enhancing the efficiency of content delivery. The system may further include a user interface that allows users to input or modify location parameters, enabling dynamic adjustments to content preferences. This approach ensures that users receive content tailored to their geographic context, improving the overall user experience.
16. The system of claim 10 , wherein the request for content comprises a subject matter parameter specifying that content that is relevant to a particular subject matter is desired, and wherein the first content item is identified based on a subject matter of the first content item.
This invention relates to a content recommendation system that filters and selects content based on subject matter relevance. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently retrieving content that matches a user's specific interests or requirements, particularly in environments where large volumes of diverse content are available. The system processes a request for content that includes a subject matter parameter, which indicates the desired topic or category of content. The system then identifies and retrieves a first content item that aligns with the specified subject matter. The selection is based on matching the content item's subject matter with the parameter provided in the request. This ensures that the recommended content is directly relevant to the user's specified interests. The system may also include a content database storing multiple content items, each associated with metadata that describes their subject matter. The system analyzes this metadata to determine relevance, ensuring accurate and efficient content retrieval. Additionally, the system may prioritize content items based on factors such as recency, popularity, or user preferences, further refining the recommendation process. By leveraging subject matter parameters and metadata analysis, the system improves content discovery, making it particularly useful in applications like educational platforms, news aggregators, or personalized media services. The invention enhances user experience by delivering targeted and relevant content efficiently.
17. The system of claim 10 , wherein the one or more processors are further programmed to: electronically store the first content item obtained from one of the plurality of content providers, wherein the first content item is stored in a searchable database using a geographically definable location parameter, a subject matter parameter, and/or a permission parameter.
This invention relates to a content management system that organizes and retrieves digital content from multiple providers based on location, subject matter, and access permissions. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently storing and retrieving diverse content items while ensuring they are accessible only to authorized users and within relevant geographic or thematic contexts. The system includes one or more processors that store content items from various providers in a searchable database. Each stored item is indexed using at least one of three parameters: a geographically definable location parameter, a subject matter parameter, and a permission parameter. The location parameter allows content to be filtered or retrieved based on geographic boundaries, such as a city, region, or country. The subject matter parameter categorizes content by topic or theme, enabling users to search for relevant information. The permission parameter controls access, ensuring that only authorized users or systems can retrieve specific content items. By combining these parameters, the system enables precise content retrieval while maintaining security and relevance. The database structure allows for flexible querying, supporting applications in fields such as digital libraries, media archives, or enterprise content management. The invention improves upon prior systems by integrating location-based and permission-based filtering with subject matter categorization, enhancing both usability and security.
18. The system of claim 10 , wherein the one or more processors are further programmed to: electronically store an exchange of communications to and from the identified holder of rights related to the first content item; and cause the stored exchange of communications to be displayed via the user interface.
This system relates to digital rights management and communication tracking within content distribution platforms. The problem addressed is the lack of transparency and record-keeping in interactions between content creators, rights holders, and users regarding content usage, licensing, and disputes. The system provides a centralized solution for tracking and storing communications related to content rights, ensuring accountability and facilitating dispute resolution. The system includes a user interface that identifies the holder of rights for a specific content item, such as a digital media file, document, or creative work. It electronically records and stores all communications exchanged between the rights holder and other parties, such as users, administrators, or automated systems, regarding the content. These communications may include licensing agreements, usage permissions, dispute resolutions, or other interactions. The stored exchanges are then displayed via the user interface, allowing all relevant parties to access the communication history for reference, verification, or legal purposes. This ensures that all interactions related to content rights are documented and retrievable, reducing ambiguity and potential conflicts. The system may also integrate with existing rights management databases to verify and update ownership information dynamically.
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January 7, 2020
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